That TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION is amply illustrated in the following gripping narrative. I have read practically all the stories and yarns of this war, many in their original languages, but I have found none to surpass this interesting tale. In the years to come, all men, especially those “who go down to the sea in ships,” will find in these adventures some very profitable lessons in perseverance, resourcefulness and courage. Although this feat may be dimmed by the light of the major operations of the war, I predict that no reader who has once started to read this book will fail to complete it, nor on completion, will he fail to say that he has enjoyed a most interesting series of adventures.

J. H. Klein, Jr.,
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy.

Washington, D.C.
3 January, 1917


CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. [Keeling Island]1
II. [The Ayesha]12
III. [On Board]27
IV. [A Fine Day on Board]39
V. [An Uneasy Day]45
VI. [Padang]53
VII. [The Meeting with the Choising]76
VIII. [The Passing of the Ayesha]88
IX. [From Perim to Hodeida]98
X. [On to Sanaa]121
XI. [Shipwreck]140
XII. [The Attack]160
XIII. [To the Railroad]204
XIV. [Homeward Bound]220

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS